The Air Force Falcons are headed to Ann Arbor this Saturday to take on the No. 7 Michigan Wolverines. Both teams are coming off games in which they annihilated their opponents, but one will face their first loss of the season when they meet in the Big House at noon ET on BTN (live stream it on BTN2Go.com).
This will be an important matchup for both teams, as their strengths are tested by the opposition. Michigan’s bread and butter is on defense, and while it didn’t have any issues against Luke Fickell’s Cincinnati team (101st-ranked offense according to Football Outsiders’ S&P+ ratings), the Wolverines might have their hands full with the Falcons (53rd-ranked offense). Air Force had 16 different offensive players carry the ball in their season-opener -- a 62-0 win over Virginia Military — racking up 473 rushing yards.
Michigan is still trying to overcome its defensive exodus to the NFL in early 2017, but the Wolverines retain enough talent to not see a steep decline in production. Where the Wolverines really need to adjust is on offense. They’ve had measurable success the past two weeks, but it’d be tough to say whether Michigan would still be 2-0 if it weren’t for their turnover-making defense.
Time, TV channel, and streaming info
The Wolverines are inching toward the top of the Big Ten
With two heavy-handed wins under their belts (the ones probably holding up a pair of khakis), Michigan has steadily climbed up the ranks, and is now sitting as the second-highest ranked Big Ten team at No. 7. The Wolverines are just two spots behind Penn State, and have a single rank lead over rival Ohio State. Michigan will need to continue building momentum as it heads into conference play if it wants to earn the top spot and a place in the College Football Playoff.
Air Force vs. Michigan prediction:
The Wolverines should walk away 3-0 after Saturday because their defense is still lethal. Air Force has an outstanding run game, but if the Wolverines are able to force the Falcons into a passing attack, they’ll likely struggle to put up points.
This will be an important matchup for both teams, as their strengths are tested by the opposition. Michigan’s bread and butter is on defense, and while it didn’t have any issues against Luke Fickell’s Cincinnati team (101st-ranked offense according to Football Outsiders’ S&P+ ratings), the Wolverines might have their hands full with the Falcons (53rd-ranked offense). Air Force had 16 different offensive players carry the ball in their season-opener -- a 62-0 win over Virginia Military — racking up 473 rushing yards.
Michigan is still trying to overcome its defensive exodus to the NFL in early 2017, but the Wolverines retain enough talent to not see a steep decline in production. Where the Wolverines really need to adjust is on offense. They’ve had measurable success the past two weeks, but it’d be tough to say whether Michigan would still be 2-0 if it weren’t for their turnover-making defense.
Time, TV channel, and streaming info
- Time: Noon ET
- Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Mich.
- TV: BTN, BTN2
- Streaming: BTN2Go.com
- Odds: Michigan favored by 24
- Get Free Access College Football TV
- The Falcons have new helmets this season and they’re gorgeous.
- Lawrence Marshall could finally live up to hype for Michigan this year.
- The red zone continues to be an issue for the Wolverines.
The Wolverines are inching toward the top of the Big Ten
With two heavy-handed wins under their belts (the ones probably holding up a pair of khakis), Michigan has steadily climbed up the ranks, and is now sitting as the second-highest ranked Big Ten team at No. 7. The Wolverines are just two spots behind Penn State, and have a single rank lead over rival Ohio State. Michigan will need to continue building momentum as it heads into conference play if it wants to earn the top spot and a place in the College Football Playoff.
Air Force vs. Michigan prediction:
The Wolverines should walk away 3-0 after Saturday because their defense is still lethal. Air Force has an outstanding run game, but if the Wolverines are able to force the Falcons into a passing attack, they’ll likely struggle to put up points.
